Venice: Art masterpieces for free… at church!

If you can pull your gaze from the winding canals and floating gondolas, you’ll find there’s plenty of art to see in Venice. Many of the Italian masters, including Titian, Tintoretto, and Giorgione, have artwork on display around the city.

While the biggest museums, such as the Gallerie dell’Accademia and the Ca’ d’Oro charge anywhere from €2.50 to €6.50 for admission, Venetian churches (many of which still hold daily mass) are treasure troves of free art.

Art history at the Chiesa di San Moise

The Chiesa di San Moise, in Venice’s San Marco neighborhood, is a particularly worthwhile example. Built in the 8th-Century, this church has had enough time to acquire extravagant baroque touches-and it shows! Highlights include:

• Facade: Outside, covering the facade, you’ll find a line-up of worthy cherubs and statues.
• Statues: Inside, San Moise is decked out with busts of Italian aristocrats, Tintoretto’s “La Lavanda dei Piedi,” and bronze angels.
• Alter: A depiction of Moses on Mount Sinai graces the altar.
• Organ: An 18th century-organ is occasionally opened for public recitals.

Not bad for one church!

Visiting the church

The Chiesa di San Moise is open daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The church is reachable by vaporetto stop San Marco del Giglio (Line 1). Check out the official site for more info.

Also see: Our recommended budget hotels in Venice.